Denver warns drivers of motorcyclists

Following a deadly year for riders in 2010, half a dozen Denver motorcyclists asked borough officials Monday night to help spread the word about motorcycle safety as the peak riding season begins. We had a lot of motorcycle deaths, many of which were caused by right-of-way issues, Maeda Krizmencic told council members. People just need to learn to be aware.

Krizmencic is a spokesperson for Pennsylvania s south mountain chapter of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education, or ABATE. The organization sponsors a publicity campaign promoting motorcycle safety and offers driver training to school and civic groups. Nineteen motorcyclists were killed across Lancaster County last year, according to published reports, making it the deadliest year for local riders since 1996. In July, Denver resident Bradley Weber died after a crash on North Reading Road. And in April, a 22-year-old Narvon man was killed after running a stop sign on Locust Street in the borough. In response to ABATE s request, Mayor Adam Webber issued a proclamation naming May Motorcycle Safety Month, urging Denver drivers to share the road and respect the unique safety needs of motorcyclists.

The borough will also allow the group to post their bright yellow motorcycle awareness signs around the borough with homeowners’ permission. This means a lot to us. We lost a lot of friends last year, Krizmencic said. We don’t want to lose a lot this year.

Also Monday, borough manager Mike Hession clarified that a new leash law would require pet owners to keep their dogs leashed on sidewalks, which are considered public property. Council also approved the purchase and installation of a projector for the municipal building s meeting room at $2,639.50. In other action, the borough will enter into a right-of-way agreement with resident Gary Sweigart of 426 N. Ninth St., so that borough workers can plan, trim and maintain arborvitae separating his property from the Denver Park annex trail extension. Council also approved the removal of an old maple tree in an island on Franklin Street at South Fourth Street at a cost of $525. The tree’s root system is growing into and damaging curbing around the island.